NU Council to consider ordinance change for liquor sale violations

October 14, 2013

NEW ULM - The New Ulm City Council will hold the first reading Tuesday of an ordinance that would raise the penalties for liquor establishments that violate the city code for sale of liquor.

The reading will take place at the New Ulm City Council meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the New Ulm City Hall.

The changes would increase the minimum penalties for violations including: sale of liquor to an underage person, sale of liquor to an obviously intoxicated person, after-hours sale/display or consumption of liquor, illegal gambling on the premises, failure to take reasonable steps to stop someone from leaving the premises with an alcoholic beverage (for those without an off-sale license), or failure to pay penalties incurred within 30 days.

Under the regular penalty grid, a first violation would result in a $500 fine (up from $250) and a five-day license suspension. A second violation would be a $750 fine (up from $500) and a ten-day suspension. A third violation would be a $1,000 fine and a 15-day suspension, and a fourth violation would lead to revocation of the license.

For license holders who are certified as best practices licensees, a first violation would be a $350 fine. A second violation would be a $750 fine (up from $500) and a three-day suspension (there was no suspension before). A third violation would return the establishment to the regular penalty grid and off the best practices list for a year. A fourth violation would mean revocation.